Romanoff speaks fluently, having learned the language 25 years ago as a Peace Corp volunteer in Central America, Denver's Fox 31 reported. Coffman began learning Spanish about a year ago, after the district was redrawn to include neighborhoods with high populations of Hispanic voters.

Because he is less fluent, the station reported, Coffman asked for and received the questions in advance and referred often to his notes.

Coffman, who used to have a harder stance on immigration, has changed his views to reflect the district's new demographics. But Romanoff hammered him on past statements, including Coffman's praise of former Congressman Tom Tancredo and his past opposition to a bill allowing children brought into the country illegally to become citizens.

Romanoff had his own past actions to answer for, including his support of a 2006 that would have required local police to contact federal authorities when they encountered someone they suspected of being in the country illegally.

Latino voters were thrilled with the debate, which was broadcast on Spanish-language channels.

"The viewers, the audience, they're going to be able to hear from the candidates in their language, they're going to be able to understand what they stand for — it's very important," Dr. Rocio Saenz of the group Mi Familia Vota told Denver's Fox 31. "Also, what it says is that the Latinos are a decisive vote."

The debate wasn't without its snarky moments. Romanoff couldn't resist pointing out his more complete mastery of Spanish while Coffman relied heavily on notes.

At the end of the debate, according to Fox 31, he said his remarks are "from my heart … it's not a script."

About the AuthorGreg Campbell

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